Page 727 - (ISC)² CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide

should be kept at 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 23 degrees
Celsius). Humidity in a computer room should be maintained between

40 and 60 percent. Too much humidity can cause corrosion. Too little
humidity causes static electricity.

Know about static electricity. Even on nonstatic carpeting, if the
environment has low humidity it is still possible to generate 20,000-
volt static discharges. Even minimal levels of static discharge can
destroy electronic equipment.

Understand the need to manage water leakage and flooding.
Water leakage and flooding should be addressed in your

environmental safety policy and procedures. Plumbing leaks are not
an everyday occurrence, but when they occur, they often cause
significant damage. Water and electricity don’t mix. If your computer
systems come in contact with water, especially while they are
operating, damage is sure to occur. Whenever possible, locate server

rooms and critical computer equipment away from any water source
or transport pipes.

Understand the importance of fire detection and
suppression. Fire detection and suppression must not be
overlooked. Protecting personnel from harm should always be the
most important goal of any security or protection system. In addition
to protecting people, fire detection and suppression is designed to

keep damage caused by fire, smoke, heat, and suppression materials to
a minimum, especially in regard to the IT infrastructure.

Understand the possible contamination and damage caused
by a fire and suppression. The destructive elements of a fire
include smoke and heat but also the suppression medium, such as
water or soda acid. Smoke is damaging to most storage devices. Heat
can damage any electronic or computer component. Suppression

mediums can cause short circuits, initiate corrosion, or otherwise
render equipment useless. All of these issues must be addressed when
designing a fire response system.

Understand personnel privacy and safety. In all circumstances
and under all conditions, the most important aspect of security is
protecting people. Thus, preventing harm to people is the most